PM: It is govt’s duty to assist states

KUALA LUMPUR: It is the Federal Government’s duty to assist states in times of disaster, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Commenting on the floods in Penang, which saw thousands of people fleeing their homes, he said help would be given by the Federal Government, even to opposition-held states.

He said the armed forces were helping Penang.

Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor headed for Penang to assess the situation.

“All efforts will be coordinated by the National Security Council (NSC). We will help flood victims and provide aid based on their needs,” Najib said.

Asked how many teams would be deployed, he said Raja Mohamed Affandi would decide on the mission, adding that the armed forces’ assistance was significant in disaster management.

Asked if NSC had been given any instructions, he said the matters was under the National Disaster Management Agency.

He was speaking during a visit to a mock-up of a field hospital to be built for Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh next month. The mock-up was at Tuanku Mizan Military Hospital in Wangsa Maju.

Present were Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and Raja Mohamed Affandi.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng thanked Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for answering his phone call at 3.30am yesterday seeking the armed forces’ assistance to handle Penang’s worsening floods.

Hishammuddin said assistance from the government should not be politicised.

“We have been consistent. Our assets and personnel have been sent as per standard operating procedure.

“I am sure that in such circumstances, the armed forces will not view things politically by waiting for my direction. They know their duties,” he said, adding that the armed forces teams departed for Penang early yesterday.

Raja Mohamed Affandi said Army chief General Tan Sri Zulkiple Kassim was on location to assess the situation.

“He will monitor the situation, including rainfall, and see if assets are adequate or if more personnel are needed.”

He said hundreds of personnel had been deployed to the state and were stationed in several locations.

“Our assistance covers two aspects: relief and post-flood aid.”